Saturday Evening Concert
SAVANNAH JACK
From playing honky-tonks on lower Broadway in Nashville, to opening arena dates for John Fogerty, Vince Gill, and the legendary Kenny Rogers, Savannah Jack has honed their skills as outstanding live entertainers who captivate audiences from the very first note. The trio’s extraordinary three-part vocal harmonies, superior musicianship, and fresh, new sound is poised to take country music by storm.
Hard work, determination and sacrifice have paved the way for Savannah Jack’s launch. The trio, comprised of Don Gatlin, Mike Ulvila, and Jay Darby, formed in 2004 and has toured both nationally and abroad ever since. Each member of Savannah Jack fronted other bands in Pennsylvania, Montana and Florida, respectively, prior to casting aside individual aspirations and hitting the road hard as Savannah Jack.
Exceptional songwriters as well as versatile musicians, all three members infuse their individual style to collectively create Savannah Jack’s unique sound. Easily taking the lead on vocals in their live shows, each comes from a musical family and has been singing and playing their individual instruments from a very young age. Their musical influences range from Ronnie Milsap, The Gatlin Brothers, Kenny Rogers, and Restless Heart to The Beatles, Tom Petty, The Eagles and Don Henley.
“It’s kind of funny how each of us have all come from different areas to arrive at the same place at the same time,” said Ulvila. “We all get along really well, and we’re like brothers.” A native of Kalispell, Montana, Ulvila is an extremely talented and diverse musician, who is proficient on a myriad of instruments including drums, saxophone, fiddle, bango, mandolin, guitar, and keyboards. Ulvila co-wrote four songs on the new album.
“Being on the road with these guys is really a blast,” mentioned Darby, who plays both bass and acoustic guitar. “Don is like a light switch that’s always on – there’s never a dull moment.” Born and raised in Florida, Darby started out playing the drums at age ten, while his brother played the guitar. He sold his drum set to buy his first guitar but continued playing percussion in the high-school band.
“We truly are like family…we have a lot of fun on the road and you never know what we’ll do next,” said Gatlin, also a gifted songwriter. Gatlin grew up in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, where he started singing for his neighbors for twenty-five cents or a piece of bubble gum. His mother was a talented singer who had the opportunity to open for her heroes – Kitty Wells and Wilma Lee Cooper. Gatlin co-wrote nine of the album’s twelve tracks.
Savannah Jack’s self-titled debut album was recorded at the famed Blackbird Studio in Nashville with such-world class musicians as Steve Ferrone, John Jorgensen, David Santos, Paul Franklin and Steve Nathan. For several of these musicians, this album was the first Nashville project they have been associated with. An incredible line up of songwriters contributed to the debut disc including Billy Montana, Tim Johnson, Will Robison, Rhean Boyer, Steve Dean, and Rob Crosby.
The first single from the record, “I Know,” is one of its crowning glories. Co-written by band member, Don Gatlin, with hit writers Billy Montana and Rob Crosby, the song says what every man wants to say, and what every woman wants to hear. “The first time we played “I Know” live and exploded into the first chorus, we knew this song was special,” commented Gatlin.
Recently signed to Nashville-based McMurry Records, Savannah Jack possesses the tightest harmony of any group to come along in recent memory. It is obvious that the band loves making music and is having a blast, whether they are performing in a small venue in Nashville or playing in front of thousands of people in sold out amphitheatres across the country.
If you haven’t heard them yet, better get on board and get ready for a ride. If you don’t, you don’t know “Jack” . . . SAVANNAH JACK
Check out these internet sites for more information on Savannah Jack
“We have had Savannah Jack play here at the Tropicana several times in the past year, and they absolutely rock the house. They are great guys and one of our favorite bands…..period.”
Jackie Pinto, Tropicana Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
“The best band hands down that I have seen in country music today. Incredible harmonies…..great players. I consider them to be the “Alabama” of the 21st Century.”
Joe Gercio, former music director for Elvis Presley
“Savannah Jack has performed for our family at numerous parties and events and every time, they get better and are more fun to have. They are such a pleasure to deal with and are so considerate and interactive with our guests. We love them!”
The DeBartolo Family (Previous owner of the San Francisco 49er’s)
“I had Savannah Jack open for Peter Frampton, The Doobie Brothers, Vince Gill and Amy Grant at Copper Country in Copper Mountain, Colorado. They had the house standing on their feet two songs into their set. No other act did that the entire weekend. I highly recommend these guys for any venue. We love them.
Bob Burwell, Producer of Copper Country
“Savannah Jack has made our corporate holiday parties the talk of the office for the last several years! They’re an amazing vocal trio with the ability to perform countless party favorites, along with some country originals all their own. These guys are genuine and engaging, and have a surprising knack for making the audience feel like they’re right there in the spotlight with them. They’re fun, upbeat and definitely the perfect entertainment for all our events…from casual to formal affairs, these guys are IT!”
Jenna Laughter SEI – HR Manager
“Savannah Jack was the perfect band to make our Grand Opening at Blackstone Country Club a completer success. The membership can’t wait to have them back”
Bob Schmidt General Manager Blackstone Country Club – Phoenix, AZ
“Savannah Jack has a huge catalog of songs. They interact with their audience at an umbelievable level. We also ring about 30% higher on the nights they play versus other bands. There are tons of bands in Nashville, but Savannah Jack is always my first choice.”
Shawn Hungate General Manager Graham Central Station – Nashville, TN
Katie Orlofske opens the Saturday Night Concert
You can find more information about Katie and her music on the websites listed here
www.myspace.com/katieorlofskemusic
Katie Orlofske sings “We‘re just two girls, just trying to have fun. Pushing life to the limit, living life on the run,” in a self-penned song, “2 Best Friends” about the adventures of a teenage friendship. Eighteen years old is an age where most girls are beginning to find their identities. But for Katie Orlofske, her heart and mind are set on one thing...that one, big break.
The Savannah Jack concert is sponsored by Ron Kirk / CMI Corporation.